Introduction: Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a rare, life-threatening genetic disorder triggered by volatile anesthetics or muscle relaxants. Symptoms include rapid hyperthermia, muscle rigidity, and metabolic instability, risking rhabdomyolysis, organ failure, or death. Early dantrolene administration is critical to survival. This report aimed to present the clinical management and treatment of a case of MH induced by volatile anesthetics. Case Presentation: A 21-year-old woman with no significant medical history developed MH during elective septorhinoplasty under isoflurane-based general anesthesia. Approximately 75 minutes post-induction, she exhibited abrupt hypercapnia (↑ETCO2), tachycardia, hyperthermia, and metabolic acidosis. Immediate management, including the discontinuation of isoflurane, hyperventilation with 100% O2, IV dantrolene, and active cooling, stabilized her condition. She was discharged after seven days, fully conscious and without complications. Conclusions: Early detection via capnography, immediate dantrolene administration, and cooling are lifesaving in MH. Preparedness with protocols and accessible dantrolene is essential, as MH can occur unexpectedly during anesthesia, demanding swift action to ensure survival.
Noorizad et al. (Tue,) studied this question.